I really enjoyed Barry's first book, Special Interests, but I LOVED this one. There are so many books out there where the quiet, often overlooked girlI really enjoyed Barry's first book, Special Interests, but I LOVED this one. There are so many books out there where the quiet, often overlooked girl finally gets the hot guy she's always secretly (or not so secretly) wanted. You don't often see that gender reversed. I like that here it is. Liam is such a great hero in so many ways. I have to admit I have a fondness for ridiculously optimistic despite all evidence to the contrary journalists. I'm actually married to one. (There aren't that many of them in existence.) Liam is that and one of those heroes that has a quiet strength and assuredness that is calming. At the same time he can be super sexy. I also really liked Alyse and her struggle to figure out who she really was and what she really wanted out of her life in D.C. Together they are not the easiest of partnerships, but they work. The roadblocks that they encounter on their way to a happy ending are ones that make complete sense for the type of people they are and the places they are in. Liam has every right to be cautious of what Alyse will do to his heart, and she has every right to feel like she needs space and time to figure out what she wants. Fitting those two together is not easy.
The political storyline in this one is realistic again and fairly simple, but it does have some fun espionage moments and mystery. The writing is stronger than the first one overall I think. There were some places where I absolutely adored the way Barry phrased things. I also liked the humor.
I'm the first to recognize as much as I love these books, they aren't for everyone. But if you are in the market for smart, realistic, politically savvy romance, you need to read these books NOW.
Merged review:
I really enjoyed Barry's first book, Special Interests, but I LOVED this one. There are so many books out there where the quiet, often overlooked girl finally gets the hot guy she's always secretly (or not so secretly) wanted. You don't often see that gender reversed. I like that here it is. Liam is such a great hero in so many ways. I have to admit I have a fondness for ridiculously optimistic despite all evidence to the contrary journalists. I'm actually married to one. (There aren't that many of them in existence.) Liam is that and one of those heroes that has a quiet strength and assuredness that is calming. At the same time he can be super sexy. I also really liked Alyse and her struggle to figure out who she really was and what she really wanted out of her life in D.C. Together they are not the easiest of partnerships, but they work. The roadblocks that they encounter on their way to a happy ending are ones that make complete sense for the type of people they are and the places they are in. Liam has every right to be cautious of what Alyse will do to his heart, and she has every right to feel like she needs space and time to figure out what she wants. Fitting those two together is not easy.
The political storyline in this one is realistic again and fairly simple, but it does have some fun espionage moments and mystery. The writing is stronger than the first one overall I think. There were some places where I absolutely adored the way Barry phrased things. I also liked the humor.
I'm the first to recognize as much as I love these books, they aren't for everyone. But if you are in the market for smart, realistic, politically savvy romance, you need to read these books NOW....more
This is a novella that follows what happens to Joaquin following his recovery from his gun shot wound. It takes place after the action in Autumn Sage.This is a novella that follows what happens to Joaquin following his recovery from his gun shot wound. It takes place after the action in Autumn Sage. Isabel has informed Joaquin of her marriage and he did not take the news well. He feels stuck and less than what he once was. One of the nurses, Mae, is frustrated with him feeling like he only needs to get out and attempt life again. After a disastrous camping trip meant to be a therapy for Joaquin, the two find themselves in an unlikely friendship that could lead to much more.
I loved being able to follow Joaquin's recovery and see him move on from what happened. My favorite part of the story is Mae though and I found myself frustrated that I didn't get to know her as well as I would have liked. It's understandable given the constraints of a novella, but I just wanted to know more about her life before California. This does a great job of tying up the rest of the story thread that began with the attack in Summer Chaparral: Las Morenas 1.
The novella comes with a preview to High Country Spring which made me want that even more. I absolutely can not wait for Franny's story. (And Felipe's.)
Merged review:
This is a novella that follows what happens to Joaquin following his recovery from his gun shot wound. It takes place after the action in Autumn Sage. Isabel has informed Joaquin of her marriage and he did not take the news well. He feels stuck and less than what he once was. One of the nurses, Mae, is frustrated with him feeling like he only needs to get out and attempt life again. After a disastrous camping trip meant to be a therapy for Joaquin, the two find themselves in an unlikely friendship that could lead to much more.
I loved being able to follow Joaquin's recovery and see him move on from what happened. My favorite part of the story is Mae though and I found myself frustrated that I didn't get to know her as well as I would have liked. It's understandable given the constraints of a novella, but I just wanted to know more about her life before California. This does a great job of tying up the rest of the story thread that began with the attack in Summer Chaparral: Las Morenas 1.
The novella comes with a preview to High Country Spring which made me want that even more. I absolutely can not wait for Franny's story. (And Felipe's.)...more
This is so boring. There is slow burn and then there is no burn. This is definitely the latter. The only person either of these two need to be in a reThis is so boring. There is slow burn and then there is no burn. This is definitely the latter. The only person either of these two need to be in a relationship with is a therapist. You can’t have your hero in love with someone else who he rushed into thinking was “the one” for 2/3s of the book and make a declaration of love seem in anyway healthy....more
This is a Cyrano retelling, and that’s a hard sell for me because I think it’s creepy. I don’t care if you gender flip it. I feel like there wasn’t enThis is a Cyrano retelling, and that’s a hard sell for me because I think it’s creepy. I don’t care if you gender flip it. I feel like there wasn’t enough space to truly unpack all the switches at the end....more
This was so much fun! It’s a lovely fantastical nod to Austen without being a straight up retelling. The dragon and the hero are both adorable and theThis was so much fun! It’s a lovely fantastical nod to Austen without being a straight up retelling. The dragon and the hero are both adorable and the heroine is awesome. ...more
I held this while reading like it was a bomb about to go off. The whole story is a quiet exploration of two sisters’ trauma of abandonment, and a guy I held this while reading like it was a bomb about to go off. The whole story is a quiet exploration of two sisters’ trauma of abandonment, and a guy who is doing his best to protect them while also doing his job as a journalist while they’re the story. It’s difficult to write romance encapsulated in such a short time when one of the characters is as closed off and hurt as Jess is, but Clayborn managed it with finesse, never flinching from the pain or difficulty of it all. Then she managed to also give Salem (the other journalist) her own really good arc in the midst of all that is even more impressive....more
I can’t say enough about how these books were the perfect books for me at the perfect time. Reading this was a little stressful because of how much I I can’t say enough about how these books were the perfect books for me at the perfect time. Reading this was a little stressful because of how much I cared about all of the characters. However, I was thoroughly satisfied with the endings everyone received. I really enjoyed the complexity Innes showed as Laird of the West. Torin’s journey was really perfect as well. I like how similar characters they show peace requires hard work and sacrifice, and sometimes violence is necessary. I also appreciate how Ross doesn’t attempt to over explain the world. She allows readers to make connections and fill in where exposition would be unnecessary and weigh down the narrative. I always love when fantasy authors make that choice....more
First, this was a lot heavier than I was expecting it to be, and due to the biggest part of that heavy hitting too close to home right now, I had a haFirst, this was a lot heavier than I was expecting it to be, and due to the biggest part of that heavy hitting too close to home right now, I had a hard time feeling anything but anxiety in the back half. Secondly, I do think the character and relationship development could have been better. . ...more
Despite the cartoonish cast of the “villain” in this, I did enjoy the romance and the two main characters though I’m glad I read the second book firstDespite the cartoonish cast of the “villain” in this, I did enjoy the romance and the two main characters though I’m glad I read the second book first, so I was prepared for the villain story....more
This is one of the best romances I’ve read in quite some time. It is very much character driven and doesn’t rely on gimmicks or dramatic plot twists. This is one of the best romances I’ve read in quite some time. It is very much character driven and doesn’t rely on gimmicks or dramatic plot twists. It is about two messy people trying to figure out their lives, who come to realize they might be able to do that better together. The chemistry and banter between Noelle and Theo is great. Both of their relationships with Theo’s grandfather are heartwarming and have truly lovely moments.
My only one small quibble is how they had known each other in high school but their respective grandparents didn’t realize. Did neither Paul nor Kat attend any school functions ever? Including graduation where their beloved mini mes were delivering speeches???? Neither of them were like, “Huh. That kid looks an awful lot like the person I almost ran off with when I was 20!”???
That wasn’t enough to truly takeaway from an excellent novel, but it occurred to me more than once while reading. ...more
When I started this, I thought I was going to love it. It was laugh out loud funny in chapter one. I don’t know if it became less funny or if I grew tWhen I started this, I thought I was going to love it. It was laugh out loud funny in chapter one. I don’t know if it became less funny or if I grew tired of the humor, but the middle was a hard slog. I think this would’ve been truly excellent as a novella or short story. ...more
Williams is such an excellent writer, creating books that are meant to be savored featuring character driven arcs that highlight the everyday people tWilliams is such an excellent writer, creating books that are meant to be savored featuring character driven arcs that highlight the everyday people that made history happen. This novel focuses on a bookbinder in the town of Oxford who wants to read the books not bind them as World War I changes the world around her. This overlaps a tiny bit with The Dictionary of Lost Words, but it is not necessary to read it first. I enjoyed Peggy’s story but also the story of all the pin her community. ...more
At another time this might have ended up a favorite read, but Geraldine stressed me out too much, and I’3.5 for enjoyment, rounded up for the writing
At another time this might have ended up a favorite read, but Geraldine stressed me out too much, and I’m stressed out enough in real life at the moment to fully appreciate how the author worked her craft here. It is a good book about the ties of family and what we sacrifice for them. And I always love a good sibling story....more
I could hear the detective noir in this, and while that’s not my preferred reading experience, I acknowledge it was well done. The concept of the worlI could hear the detective noir in this, and while that’s not my preferred reading experience, I acknowledge it was well done. The concept of the world is also intriguing. But for a character reader like me, there wasn’t a lot on offer....more
Was the concept fun? Yes. Was it executed well? Not even a little bit. First of all, it needed better editing. It is too long. It’s especially too lonWas the concept fun? Yes. Was it executed well? Not even a little bit. First of all, it needed better editing. It is too long. It’s especially too long when none of that length is given to organically developing characters and their relationships. It’s just monologues, descriptions, and bad jokes. I’m angrier than I should be because this could have been so good in the hands of a better writer. ...more
The entire plot of this book hinges on a miscommunication that takes a whole year to be sorted. Ordinarily that would annoy me, but it worked for me hThe entire plot of this book hinges on a miscommunication that takes a whole year to be sorted. Ordinarily that would annoy me, but it worked for me here. I really, truly loved the cast of supporting characters too. ...more
I loved this so much. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a retelling I truly lost myself in and just enjoyed. The characters here are so wonderful, anI loved this so much. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a retelling I truly lost myself in and just enjoyed. The characters here are so wonderful, and I was sad it was so short that I had to say goodbye so soon. ...more
This is a quietly beautiful story. There is political intrigue afoot and the shadow of hard times, but at its core this is a tale of four very differeThis is a quietly beautiful story. There is political intrigue afoot and the shadow of hard times, but at its core this is a tale of four very different individuals and how their lives are bound together. A ruler and a bard have to work together to entice the spirits to give them information on girls going missing. A warrior and a healer have a partnership to raise his daughter with joy and love. That’s a simplification as at the same time all four are bound and intertwined in a myriad of ways. I really liked how the book was about each of them facing their fears and insecurities. I also loved the contrast of their relationships. I’m in love with Cadence and all its inhabitants. I’m very happy with past me for already purchasing book two. I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them. ...more
It is hard. It is difficult. It is uncomfortable. But boy is it brilliant.
It's one of those books I have so much I want to say This book is brilliant
It is hard. It is difficult. It is uncomfortable. But boy is it brilliant.
It's one of those books I have so much I want to say about, but I feel like it's a conversation that needs to occur amongst people who have read it, so I don't really know how to go about tackling a "review" of it other than to say: Read it.
I am, fortunately, in a book club that is reading it, and I will get the opportunity to discuss it fully. We had to read the first half for June, and one person described it as "a textbook with characters". I feel like that is the best tagline for the first half of the book. The first half is very character driven because knowing the people thoroughly involved in what happens in the second half is crucial to the themes Kuang is bringing home in the second half. The author's expertise in etymology and translation can be seen throughout the first half not only in the studies of the main characters but in the footnotes (hence the textbook likening), but for me that made it all the more interesting. I loved all of the plays on language and the discussions about translation and how accurate any one translation is compared to another.
The first half of the book is a "school story". The second half is a revolution.
The book is grim and will make many readers uncomfortable in the second half. It is a book about the scourges of Empire and Imperialism and how one fights that. Is violent revolution inevitable? Does it even work? What is the point of fighting if you can't change anything? When economics is all that maters what power do you have? But then what if you could? All of these questions have to be explored if not answered by the characters you come to know so well in the first half. I was impressed with the way Kuang explored all of these and Brough them to a conclusion.
As a Christian reader, I have been even further impacted by the biblical allusion to Babel, how man is still trying to build it back, and how Empire is one of his favorite methods. (Again mainly a discussion I would love to have with other Christians who have read the book but worth mentioning as part of its personal impact on me.)
I know alternate histories are not everyone's favorite, and there is a thread of magic in here that absolutely qualifies it as fantasy, but it is definitely worth the read for the cultural conversations and societal problems it attempts to tackle....more
I’m annoyed, and I almost gave this one star. However, it is adequately written, and if it weren’t for the particular hype and marketing this book recI’m annoyed, and I almost gave this one star. However, it is adequately written, and if it weren’t for the particular hype and marketing this book received, I would have probably given 3 stars as an average romance novel. However, it had a hardcover release and accolades thrown at it from critics because it was determined “thoughtful” or something. That elitist attitude toward genre fiction and how it propped up this middling romance novel made me mad. Because this is just a romance novel with the same exact arc all romance novels have except missing the character development a lot of the best of the genre has. (Like all genres, there is a range from awful to excellent and this really does fall in the middle of that spectrum.)
Sally is really good at her job but terrible at everything else in life. Her interpersonal relationship skills are nil, and I wouldn’t have a problem with that if there had been any visible growth. She and Noah develop their actual relationship inside a bubble (literally), and while they (LITERALLY because the author felt the need to explain it to the audience) choose to lampshade some of Sally’s issues, there is no evidence she is planning to work on them. Noah has no issues because Noah is freakin perfect. He is absolutely one thousand percent a basic girl’s dream boy. He’s been to so much therapy he’s in touch with all his feelings and knows how to talk about them. He’s hot. He’s good in bed. He has overcome all his demons and is about as exciting to read about as eating a slice of generic white bread.
Also could have done without the day to day minutiae of Sally’s job that comprises the entire first half of the novel. We get it, author, you really researched the heck out of Saturday Night Live.
I couldn’t help comparing this in my head to Bet Me given the premise of a hot guy falling for an average woman, and in every way they’re comparable Romantic Comedy falls short. There’s no banter, no true chemistry, and all of the secondary relationships are shallow. ...more
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